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HIV/AIDS remains a critical public health challenge in South Africa, particularly among young women who are disproportionately affected. Comprehensive knowledge and appropriate behavioural responses are essential for preventing transmission and managing the disease. To determine comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS, STI’s as well as the sexual behaviour among young women aged 18 – 24 years in Tshwane Sub district 1, Gauteng province, South Africa. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted in Tshwane District, Gauteng province. The self-administered questionnaire was completed by 400 young women from four health care facilities rendering youth-friendly services. They indicated high knowledge scores for HIV/AIDS, STI’s and sexual behaviour, although most young people had risky sexual practices towards HIV/AIDS and that there were misconceptions about prevention and transmission methods of HIV. Despite high knowledge on STI’s, 27% of the participants self-reported to have had STIs. While most young women in Tshwane possess good knowledge of HIV/AIDS, a considerable proportion still engage in behaviours that increase their risk of infection. This disconnects between knowledge and practice highlights the need for more targeted interventions that not only educate but also empower young women to make safer sexual health choices. Comprehensive strategies addressing both knowledge and socioeconomic barriers are essential for reducing HIV transmission in this vulnerable population.

Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is recognised as a fundamental human right in South Africa.  The study explores the underlying reasons and motivations for service hesitancy among youth in Mutale Village, even when they are aware that those services are available.  This study analyses the knowledge, perceptions and experiences of young people in Mutale Village, Thulamela Municipality. Utilising a mixed-method approach, the study employed both snowball and purposive sampling to gather data from 126 participants via semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. Qualitative data underwent thematic analysis while quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statics via SPSS version 19.0. key findings reveal young people encounter numerous challenges accessing SRH services due to minimal awareness of available options. Service use is significantly hampered by prevailing social norms, religious beliefs that view SRG as improper for youth, and misconceptions regarding contraceptives side effects (e.g. fear of infertility). Furthermore, the negative attitude of local healthcare workers was found to discourage young people from using the facilities. The concludes that social barriers and healthcare worker attitudes are major impediments to the utilisation of essential SRH services. The study recommends that clinics in rural areas should expand youth-friendly corners with trained staff who respect confidentiality and provide non-judgmental services. Regular refresher training for healthcare providers on adolescent SRH needs is essential

HIV/AIDS remains a critical public health challenge in South Africa, particularly among young women who are disproportionately affected. Comprehensive knowledge and appropriate behavioural responses are essential for preventing transmission and managing the disease. To determine comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS, STI’s as well as the sexual behaviour among young women aged 18 – 24 years in Tshwane Sub district 1, Gauteng province, South Africa. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted in Tshwane District, Gauteng province. The self-administered questionnaire was completed by 400 young women from four health care facilities rendering youth-friendly services. They indicated high knowledge scores for HIV/AIDS, STI’s and sexual behaviour, although most young people had risky sexual practices towards HIV/AIDS and that there were misconceptions about prevention and transmission methods of HIV. Despite high knowledge on STI’s, 27% of the participants self-reported to have had STIs. While most young women in Tshwane possess good knowledge of HIV/AIDS, a considerable proportion still engage in behaviours that increase their risk of infection. This disconnects between knowledge and practice highlights the need for more targeted interventions that not only educate but also empower young women to make safer sexual health choices. Comprehensive strategies addressing both knowledge and socioeconomic barriers are essential for reducing HIV transmission in this vulnerable population.

Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is recognised as a fundamental human right in South Africa.  The study explores the underlying reasons and motivations for service hesitancy among youth in Mutale Village, even when they are aware that those services are available.  This study analyses the knowledge, perceptions and experiences of young people in Mutale Village, Thulamela Municipality. Utilising a mixed-method approach, the study employed both snowball and purposive sampling to gather data from 126 participants via semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. Qualitative data underwent thematic analysis while quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statics via SPSS version 19.0. key findings reveal young people encounter numerous challenges accessing SRH services due to minimal awareness of available options. Service use is significantly hampered by prevailing social norms, religious beliefs that view SRG as improper for youth, and misconceptions regarding contraceptives side effects (e.g. fear of infertility). Furthermore, the negative attitude of local healthcare workers was found to discourage young people from using the facilities. The concludes that social barriers and healthcare worker attitudes are major impediments to the utilisation of essential SRH services. The study recommends that clinics in rural areas should expand youth-friendly corners with trained staff who respect confidentiality and provide non-judgmental services. Regular refresher training for healthcare providers on adolescent SRH needs is essential